FaceTime in heaven: Clifton Park, family remembers Deanna Rivers

Debbie and Brian Rivers, parents of the late Deanna Rivers, attend the Dec. 14 unveiling of an engraved granite plaque dedicated to her on a memorial wall at the head of Christinamarie Drive in Clifton Park.
FRANCINE GRINNELL — THE SARATOGIAN

A granite plaque memorializes Deanna Marie Rivers, who lived on Christinamarie Drive until her passing a year ago.
FRANCINE GRINNELL — THE SARATOGIAN

CLIFTON PARK >> Neighbors, local officials, school board members and representatives of the business community came out in 10-degree weather over the weekend for the unveiling of a granite plaque on a memorial wall engraved with the words: “In dedication to the memory of Deanna Marie Rivers from your loving neighbors and community.”

About 50 people came out Saturday to honor the memory of the 17-year-old Shenendehowa High School senior who was killed Dec. 1, 2012, in a two-car accident on the Northway, along with fellow Shen senior and friend Christopher Stewart.

One by one, doors at surrounding houses opened as neighbors emerged to walk down the block to attend the brief ceremony that took place at the head of Christinamarie Drive off Southbury Road.

Town Supervisor Phil Barrett’s message to the Rivers and those present was simple.

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“We love you, we cherish you, we will always be here for you,” Barrett said.

Neighbor Rick Barber helped organize construction of the memorial wall and plaque that represents a combined effort of about 20 neighbors and cost an estimated $13,000.

“I’m handy with masonry work,” Barber said, “and had an idea for the wall that my cousin Bill carried out.”

Secured inside one of the two stone pillars on either side of a horizontal cement sign with the street name on it and topped by more of the stone is a segment of PVC pipe that serves as a time capsule, holding items of intimate significance to family and friends. Rivers’ favorite softball inscribed with handwritten messages from her family, photos and messages from neighbors and friends and print media of the accident and subsequent months coverage was included. The granite plaque bearing her image was the work of Stefanazzi & Spargo Granite Co. Inc. of Cohoes.

Abele Builders of Clifton Park and Curtis Lumber of Ballston Spa paid for supplies. The wall was constructed by Bill Barber of Concreations Concrete & Masonry of Wynantskill.

Bill Barber said the project took about a week to complete and seemed to have no borders in that several communities offered assistance to make the memorial a reality.

“We always feel good about partnering up with local contractors and communities to be a part of something like this,” he said.

When approached by Rick Barber about the project, Chris Abele of Clifton Park-based Abele Builders agreed to donate the costs of the building supplies for the sign, which is located within a development his company built.

“We’re just a part of the community and our hearts are broken. You can’t undo what’s been done. I’m a parent with three kids and we want to show our support,” Abele said.

Deanna Rivers’ mother, Debbie, said when young people and their promise are involved, most people can relate.

“I think one of the reasons why there was such overwhelming support when these children died was because each and every parent and student at Shen and elsewhere can relate,” Debbie Rivers said. “If it wasn’t for the support we’ve received, we don’t know where we’d be today.”

Rivers’ father, Brian, said he and his wife have reserved their comments until the ongoing legal matters concerning Dennis Drue, the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident that resulted in the death of Stewart and Rivers, were resolved. Drue was sentenced Dec. 5. He said the memorial observance gave his family an opportunity to express their gratitude to everyone who went out of their way to let them know the impact their daughter’s life had on them.

When asked how they would like their daughter’s life to be remembered, Debbie Rivers said she would like to think that people would remember the things her daughter was known for.

“She didn’t judge anyone, always gave another kid a chance. She had a ready smile because she believed somebody might need one,” Debbie Rivers said. “She and Chris Stewart were very similar. They will live in our hearts forever.“

Referring to the Apple video chat application popular with teens and others, sister Jenna Rivers said, “I wish it was FaceTime in heaven. I would call her everyday.”